The Aboriginal Resource Centre at Loyalist College is pleased to host the 16th Annual Festival of Native Arts on Saturday, November 5 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the College’s Kente Building cafeteria. This popular event provides an opportunity to experience the richness of Aboriginal culture through music, dance, food, and crafts.
The Festival will be opened at 10 a.m. with a traditional Thanksgiving Address by Kanonhsowanen Brant. The Address, which has ancient roots dating back over one thousand years, is given at the opening and closing of all ceremonial and governmental gatherings held by the Six Nations. Following the Address, guests will be welcomed by Master of Ceremonies Tenihtie Brant.
The full day of performances will include soloist Aurora Finkle accompanied by her father David, Native Flute, Tyendinaga Women’s Water Drum, Quinte Mohawk School Dancers, Tyendinaga Young Singers, a Hoop Dancer, and many more. Numerous craft and food vendors will also be present.
This year, guests will enjoy a performance by the Ojihgwagayoh (OH Jee Gwa Ga Yo) Singers. They also go by the literal translation of their name − “Old Mush.” The group is part of a national singing society that includes singing societies from Iroquois communities on both sides of the American/Canadian border.
“Our lives are enriched by our culture, and sharing this with others helps them to gain a clear sense of our source of pride,” said Paul Latchford, Coordinator of Aboriginal Services at Loyalist. “The Festival of Native Arts has something for everyone, including a children’s craft table, which is always interesting. Watching the children engage with the culture as they work to craft something with their own hands − they leave with a great sense of fulfillment and a better understanding of how traditions, beliefs and customs, enhance our lives.”
Closing ceremonies will be held at 4:00 p.m. For more details regarding the day’s events, please contact the Aboriginal Resource Centre at Loyalist College, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2250 or e-mail aboriginalrc@loyalistc.on.ca. The Festival is a non-profit event and there is no admission charge.
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Media Contact: Edina Cappuccitti, College Advancement & External Relations Officer, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2392, or Paul Latchford, Aboriginal Resource Centre, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2250